Photo By Master Sgt. Jeremy Lock | Staff Sgt. Rico Raphael from the 1st Battalion, 249th Infantry, Delta Company, 2nd...... read more read more
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By Air Force Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente
Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa Affairs
DIKHIL, Djibouti – Guam national guardsmen from 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry (Light), Delta Company, trained 127 Djiboutian soldiers in anti-terrorism and counter terrorism tactics to better secure their borders against the threat of terrorists in phases three and four of Operation Able Dart 08-01 as part of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa mission.
A platoon of Soldiers in Ali Sabieh (phase three), and another in Dikhil (phase four) started the training in January, covering 27 different areas of offensive and defensive operations to train Djiboutians to be trainers for fellow soldiers.
Djiboutian soldiers received 20 percent of their training in the classroom. The remainder of the training was conducted in practical exercises in the field.
"During practical exercises, we gave them different simulations of exactly what we taught them in class: improvised explosive devices, convoy operations, react to contact, offensive and defensive operations," said Army Sgt. Joey R. Cruz, Delta Company, 2nd Platoon, 1st Squad, Alpha team leader and mil-to-mil instructor for 60 Djiboutian soldiers assigned to the Battalion Inter Army of Ali Sabieh. "The last week of training was a culmination of everything that we've taught them – from day one to the final day."
Training the Djiboutians has been a rewarding experience for Cruz, but there are some challenges when training soldiers in another country.
"A difficulty we experienced was the language barrier," he said. "We were fortunate enough to have two interpreters assist us. However, with only two interpreters for 60 personnel, it's difficult to ensure the instruction is getting through to every soldier, but we make due. Some things we incorporated were using a white board and drawing the way we wanted them to maneuver, which helped us out a great deal during the practical exercises."
The same language barrier exists for fellow Delta Company Soldiers in Dikhil, but with the assistance of an interpreter, as well as some Djiboutian soldiers who spoke English, the instructors are able to carry out the mission.
Over a short-period of time, the Djiboutian soldiers not only learned tactics to be proficient in anti-terrorism and counter terrorism, but also the importance of staying motivated.
"As time passed, the Djiboutian soldiers become more and more motivated," said Army Sgt. Michael L. Balcita, Delta Company 3rd Platoon 2nd Squad, Alpha team leader and instructor for 67 Djiboutian soldiers assigned to the Regiment Inter Army of Dikhil. The classes were structured, so it becomes like a stepping stool, one step after the other, and as they gained more knowledge about the training, they became more excited and more motivated."
The instructor also highlighted the Djiboutian soldiers' progress from starting out as individuals and then merging into a team.
"From day one, they had a hard time accomplishing the tasks we needed them to perform, but after time went by, they got better and better," he said. "They were originally working more as individual soldiers, but toward the end, you saw the group come together. Teamwork plays a big part on them knowing what to do."
Before the Djiboutian soldiers graduated, they went through a four-day culmination exercise, which encompassed all of the skills they were taught throughout the course.
"We wanted them to be proficient on traffic control points," said Balcita. "That's very important for them to control the borders. They grasped the training we've given them, and I'm actually proud they can train their soldiers with what we've taught them."
As the course came to completion, Balcita had a sense of accomplishment for the soldiers he's trained, but the Solider has a bitter sweet feeling.
"It's very challenging for me because I get attached very easily, and as we came to an end, the Djiboutians also got attached to us because they didn't want us to go," he said. "We were very welcomed here. I'll miss it very much."
While the Djiboutians understood Delta Company's time in Africa is coming to an end, they hope to see their instructors again.
"We like to see the Soldiers," said Djiboutian army Sgt. Yacin Bouh Fadoul, RIAD platoon leader. "They are very good teachers, and we would like to see them come back to train our regiment other tactical skills."
Fadoul appreciated the training he received from the national guardsmen.
"The most important part of this training we will take away from this is a better capability to protect our country and its people," said Fadoul. "I'm glad I have the capability to be able to teach this to other soldiers, so they too can protect Djibouti's people from terrorists."
Djiboutian army Sgt. Issa Farah Shireh, RIAD squad leader, agreed with Fadoul in the importance of the training they received from U.S. Soldiers.
"The training is the best we have received," said Shireh. "It is a lot of useful information on patrolling, close quarters combat, stress shooting ... a lot of classes with a wealth of knowledge."
Operation Able Dart 08-01 graduation for phases three and four was held March 11.
| Date Taken: | 03.17.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 03.17.2008 15:08 |
| Story ID: | 17447 |
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| Web Views: | 279 |
| Downloads: | 237 |
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